Giant African Millipede

Giant African Millipede

Geographical Range

Africa

Habitat

Forests, scrublands, grasslands

Scientific Name

Archispirostreptus gigus

Conservation Status

Common

This slow-moving invertebrate scavenges the ground for food, breaking it down with its efficient chewing mouthparts. Like all millipedes, this animal is a decomposer, feeding on decaying plant material. Though it cannot sting, it can emit a bitter-tasting fluid from its body -- a defensive behavior.

The giant African millipede has four legs per body segment, which is one way to tell that it's not an insect.

Here at the Zoo

We keep giant African millipedes at our Zoo whenever possible. Look for them at the Insectarium.